All of Palos Verdes’ impact players this season were sophomores and juniors, so while the team felt like it could have a really good season in 2008, it was sure 2009 would be its real season to shine.

But with several first-year starters coming into their own, Palos Verdes did more than expected this year by sweeping Mira Costa for the first time since 2005 and winning the Bay League title outright.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” said Palos Verdes coach Chris Murin, the Daily Breeze Coach of the Year. “We wanted to win it, but we thought it might be a two-year plan.”

Palos Verdes beat Mira Costa handily in the first meeting between the area heavyweights at Mira Costa, when Connor Virjee had the hot hand and netted four goals.

Then the Sea Kings beat the Mustangs in the second meeting between the teams at Miraleste Intermediate School, 13-9, to clinch the title. Sophomore Danny Wann scored five goals. Palos Verdes took a 10-8 lead into the fourth quarter and got defensive.

“We talked about how our priority now is defense because we’re up by two goals,” Murin said. “We had all of our defensive players in there.”

Mira Costa was 4-for-4 with the man advantage before getting shut down twice on the power play in the fourth quarter against a Palos Verdes defense sparked by junior 2-meter defender Riley Burke and junior goalie Paul Mitre.

All season, Murin had to deal with the headache of scheduling practices and games at Miraleste because Palos Verdes High was getting a new pool installed.

“We were at a disadvantage not having a home pool,” Murin said. “It was adversity the kids fought through.”

Murin still got the most out of his players, a group of skilled, hard-working, unselfish athletes led by Virjee.

“We had a nice niche of unexpected offensive weapons,” Murin said. “No one guy carried the load. We had guys who would give one more pass to make sure the ball goes in.”

As good as the team was this season under trying circumstances, it figures to shine even brighter next season under the charge of Murin.

“Next year we should have a real shot at winning CIF,” Murin said. “That’s something we’ll talk about early in the season and train for it.”

Dave Thorpe is the local sports coordinator for the Daily Breeze. He has been covering local sports in the South Bay for the Daily Breeze since 2006. He previously was the sports editor at the Palos Verdes Peninsula News.

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